7 Steps to Designing Your Dream Home12 January 2018

The excitement of creating the vision of your dream home is second to none.

But while you most likely have a picture in your mind of your perfect home, how do you go about turning that dream into something that can actually be built?

We’ve put together this list for you to follow, to turn your wildest dreams into practical plans for building your own home.

1. Get inspired

You have an idea of what you want, and now is the time to dream big. What does your fantasy home look like? Hopping in the car and touring neighbourhoods for inspiration is a great way to get an idea for the style of house you desire. You can view homes for sale, and take notes on what features you like (and don’t like) about different properties.

There are ample design magazines and architecture books to be browsed and bookmarked. This will give you an overview of current design trends and evolving fashions. During this step, don’t feel like you need to limit yourself to one particular style; look for the designs that speak to your personality.

2. Keep a design notebook

Staying organised with a design notebook while you design your new home will allow you to find that magazine clipping easily, and create a more effective and efficient vision of your home design. By dividing your notebook into separate sections for each room, you can collate notes, drawings, clippings and contact information for suppliers and contractors in one easily accessible, mobile place.

3. Create your basic vision

Once you have a better idea of the styles and features you like, you can create your basic vision. Is your designer home going to be a traditional style, rooted in European sensibilities? Or a more simple, yet still luxurious, modern abode?

4. What do you need?

Moving beyond fantasy, it’s time to consider your individual needs. Firstly, your room information and sizes. How many bedrooms do you need, and will you be having guests stay? What are your living space requirements? Consider the layout of the rooms, such as whether you need an open-plan kitchen and dining area for entertaining. Identify which of your needs are non-negotiable.

5. Set a budget

Drawing yourself a responsible and realistic budget will bring your vision into clearer focus. As one of the most critical elements of designing your own home, the budget will determine “how much house you can afford” so to speak, and will impact the design. Ensuring you have an accurate budget is crucial, so if this is your first time designing and building a home, it may be helpful to meet with a financial planner to ensure you haven’t missed anything in your budget.

6. Start sketching floor plans

With your basic vision and needs in mind, sketch out a rough floor plan. It’s a good idea to block out basic areas first, such as bedrooms at one end of the lower level, open family room in the centre, and kitchen, laundry, and dining room at the other end. It’s easier to work on one level at a time.

These draft floor plans will help you to communicate with an architect, what you would like to achieve in your home design.

7. Talk to an architect

Discussing your custom home design with an architect will ensure that your goals are met, while also helping you to avoid common design traps and complications. They will be able to advise you on structural integrity, local building codes, and other practical matters that you may not be aware of.